Control mechanism



Feb. l, 1944. vc. A. ARENS CONTROL MECHNISM Filed May 51, 1941 Patented Feb. 1, 1944 CONTROL MIECHANISM Charles A. Arens, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Arens Controls, Inc., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application May 31, 1941, Serial No. 395,980

(Cl. 'I4-501) 13 Claims.

This invention relates to vcontrol mechanisms, particularly of the type adapted to releasably retain a device to be controlled in a plurality of positions of adjustment.

It is an object of the invention to provide a new and improved control mechanism for releasably retaining a controlled device in a plurality of positions, and more specifically to provide new and improved locking or holdingr structures for use with such mechanisms.

Still more specifically stated, it is an object of the invention to provide locking orholding structures for control mechanisms of the type dened, which are smoother and more uniform and positive in their gripping and release operations, which are more durable and less susceptible to marring or deterioration, and which are of general improved locking eiciency.

f A further object of the invention is to provide, in control mechanisms of the type defined, improved handle and release structures.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the invention will appear from the following specification when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein certain preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth for purposes of illustration.

Y In the drawing, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout:

Fig. 1 is a general assembly view of a control mechanism constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mechanism of Fig. l, on an enlarged scale, and illustrating the action of the various operating parts;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, but showing the locking or holding mechanism. in released position;

Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view of the operating sleeve, forming a part of the mechanism of Figs. l, 2 and 3;

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view ofthe mechanism, on a further enlarged scale, and taken on the 1ine'5-5 of Fig. 2; and

Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are views similar to Fig. 5, but showing modied embodiments of the invention.

Referring more specically to the drawing, and rst to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive, it will be seen that the control mechanism I0 comprises in general a main frame or housing sleeve II, Figs. 1 and 2, an operating sleeve I2 longitudinally slidable within the frame sleeve, and a handle structure generally indi- .cated by the numeral I3. vThe control mechanism, in the particular embodiment set forth'for illustrative purposes, is adapted to operate a controlled device I4 through the intermediary of'a transmission cable generally indicated by the numeral I5. More speciiically, the transmission `cable comprises a exible sheath I6 and a core member I'I longitudinally slidable within the sheath, one end of the core being connected to the operating sleeve I2 of the control mechanism by suitable means such as a set screw ,I8. The opposite end of the core is suitably, pivotally se-l cured to the device I4 as indicated at I9Fig; yl, and it will thus be seen that as theoperating sleeve I2 is moved to various shifted positions, corresponding increments of movement Will be imparted to the controlled device I4. In Fig, 1 the inward position of the handle and the controlled-,device is shown in full lines. The posi-z tion, as the handle is pulled outwardly or to the left as seen in Fig. 1, is shown in dotted lines.v Referring more specifically to the structure of the control mechanism, it will be seen that lthe housing or frame sleeve I I is threaded at one end thereof, a pair of nuts 25 and 26 being provided onl this threaded end and adapted to cooperativelyfgrip a support structure 2'IA wherebyto secure the frame sleeve thereto. The support structure, may for example be the dashboard of an automotive vehicle or aircraftfin a installa'- tion,-for example,` where the control mechanism isl used as a control device for an automotiveI or aircraft vehicle. A lock Washer such as indicated at 28 may be interposed between the nut 2'I and the support structure. The nut 26 is provided with an inturned flange 29 positioned against the extreme end of the sleeve II, and acting as an abutment stop for the inward movement of the handle structure I3, -to the right as seen in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

The means for moving the operating sleeve VI2 longitudinally within the housing or frame sleeve VI I, comprises a handlev member 3i suitably securedto the end of the sleeve I2 for example by a set screw or the like, as indicatedatl; By means of the handle member 3U, the operating sleeve I2 may be shifted to various longitudinal positions, whereby to adjustably position the controlled device I4.

The holding means for releasably holding or llocking the operating sleeve in its various positions of adjustment comprises in general al control `shaft 35, a handle 'member 3B secured tlo-one Aend Vof -the control shaft, andV a lholding element `3'I engaged byv an inclined cam surface 38 formed on'the opposite control shaft end, The holding or locking element 31 is disposed within an opening 39, Fig. 4, formed in the operating sleeve, and is adapted to be thrust by the cam surface 38 into engagement with the interior surface of the stationary frame sleeve Il. The control shaft 35 is normally thrust outwardly, to the left as seen in Figs. 2 and 3, by a compression spring 40 engageable at one end against a collar 4I loosely mounted on the control shaft but anchored against a shoulder 42 formed on the operating sleeve, the other end of the spring being engageable against a hub 43 formed on the handle member 36. Preferably the handle 36 is secured to the end of the control shaft by means of a. threaded connection, as indicated at 44, whereby to permit the adjustment of the parts.

Interposed between the handle members 30 and 36 is a filler member 45, preferably of sponge. rubber or the like, the filler member, together with the handle parts 30 and 36 forming the composite handle structure I3. The resiliency of the ller member somewhat augments the action of the compression spring 40, and also prevents any part of the operators hand from being caught between the relatively movable handle members; Additionally, the filler member spaces the handle parts 30 and 36 whereby to enable them to be more conveniently gripped and squeezed together by the operators handc To facilitate the gripping of the handle structure, the upper portion of the handle member 36 is recessed slightly as indicated at 46, Fig. 1, to receive the thumb bridge, whereas the handle member 3,0. is provided with recesses 41 and 48 on the upper and lower portions thereof, respectively, to receive the operators fingers.

The character and shaping of the holdingelement 31, constituting an important featureof the invention, will be best understood by reference to Fig. 5. As will be seen, the holding element-is in the formof a roller provided with a central cylindrical .portion or surface 50 and a pair of end surfaces or portions 5I and52 of generally conical shape, or of truncated conical shape, but having a curvature corresponding tothe curvature of Ythe interior surface 53-of the housing sleeve II. rIhe camsurface 38 on the control shaft 35,` while inclined longitudinally, is fiat transversely, `as Ywill be understood vby reference to Fig. 5. Accordingly, it will be seen that the `cylindrical surface 50-of theholding element 31 has line contact with the cam surface 38-when in loclling or holdingl position thereagainst,` as distinguished from point contact such as would normally be provided were the holding-element in the lform of a ball. Similarly, the curved conical surfaces 5I and-52, being of a curvature cor- -responding to the interior surface 53 of the frame sleeve II, maintain line contact with theframe sleeve when in locking or'holdin'g position.

The manner in Vwhich-theshaping` of theholding element may be varied, to best suit the requirements for any particular installation,-isillustr'ated in Fig. 6. In this instance the Vholding or locking elementl 31a has its cylindrical surface l50aof-a shorter length, as compared Ywitlrthe embodiment previously described, the curved conical surfaces 5Ia and 52a being correspond- -ingly increased. It -will thus be seen that -the area of contact between the holding element'and the control shaft is decreased, and the-area of contact rbetween the holding Velement and the `housing sleeve is increased, with'respect tothe firstY described embodiment. In the .locking mechof metal and of a certain degree of hardness, whereas the housing or frame sleeve II may be of a different metal or of a different degree of hardness. By varying the specic shaping of the holding or locking element, it will be seen that the areas of contact between the parts may be readily controlled and varied to meet the requirements of the particular installation and give the greatest locking efficiency vand smoothness of operation.

In the operation of the structure, and referring again to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, normally the compression spring 46 urges the control shaft 35 to the left, to the position of Fig. 2, whereby to cause the cam surface liilthereon to engage the holding element 3'1 and wedge it into firm engagement with the internal surface of the frame sleeve II,

vthereby holding Athe operating sleeve I2 in fixed position within the housing sleeve. The force of the compression spring will determine the degree of holding effectiveness, and by varying the spring pressure different degrees of holding action may be secured, gradingrfroxn a relatively light frictional retention to a substantially positive lock. To release the operating-sleeve I2.for movement, whereby to adjust the controlled device I4, the handle structure I3 is gripped and the handle member 36 moved relatively toward the handle member 30, to the position of Fig. .3, thereby compressing the spring 40 andreleasing the holding element or roller 31. The operating sleeve I2 may thereupon be moved by means of the handle structure I3 to any desired. position. The resilient filler member 45 yields to permit the release of the holding or locking means, and the shaping ofthe handle members .30 =and' 36 facilitates their gripping and manipulation.

As previously indicated, the improved form of holdingl element 31 provides for increased holding or locking efficiency. More particularly, the line contact provided betweenthe holding roller and its engaged surfaces prevents any digging or marring of the parts leading to their undue deterioration. The line or area contact, asdistinguished from point contact, decreases the unit 'engagement pressuresin relation to the operatingforces, and thus insures that the holdingvelement will not become imbedded or jammed inllocking position, even though the operating sleeve is subjectedto strong pulling forces. Theholding element is at all times immediately releasable without possibility of jamming. The increased contactareas preventpitting .of thehousing sleeve, insuring a smootlrreliableand uniform holding action. A stronger and more positive locking action may be obtained, by the increased vtensioning of thelspring '40, while at the same time avoiding 4the riskthatthe increased forces will tend to cause the locking element to become imbeddedy withinv the .engaged surfaces.. The -h'olding element or'roller, due' to its character, may be proportioned, as heretofore described 4in reference to Figs. 5 and;6, so yas to obtain-the precise areas of contact .'withthe .engaged surfaces giving the desired'operating characteristics for-l the particular installation.

In Fig. '1. an vembodiment is. illustrated wherein the holding element 31h-is in the' form oa-ball, but wherein the vhousingsleeve \I Ib and-the control shaft 35bfare .both .so shaped 'as .toprovide line orsurface contact between the parts. More particularly, in4 this instancethehousing Sleeve is provided withfastruck-out portion or rib extending longitudinally-ofthe housingoverthat amsm, the, control ,shafti35 ,maybepfone'kind '75 length thereof :whichl cooperates @with v and is.

adapted to be engaged by the locking element. The interior surface 6I of the rib conforms to the curvature of the holding ball 31h. Accordingly in all shifted positions of the operating sleeve |21), line or surface contact between the ball and the housing sleeve will be established upon the application of the holding engagement. `Similarly the inclined cam surface of the control shaft 35??v which engages 4the ball, is in this instance provided with a longitudinal trough v|52, the transverse curvature of which is shaped to correspond to the radius of curvature of the ball Fsurface, so that line or surface contact is maintained between the ball and the control shaft when the parts are in the holding position.

' In Fig. 8 an embodiment of the invention is illustrated wherein the housing sleeve llc and the operating sleeve I 2c, in the vicinity of the holding element, are of polygonal shape, specifically square in the illustrated embodiment, rath- Yer than of circular cross-section. In this instance the control shaft 35e may be circular in cross-section, and shaped and constructed as described in reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. l to inclusive; but, as stated, the operating sleeve and the housing sleeve, in the vicinity of the holding element 31o, are of square shape, and slidable, one within the other. In this instance the surface 50c 0f the holding 'element may be cylindrical to cooperate with the control shaft in the manner described for example with reference to Fig. 5, whereas the end surfaces Sic and 52e of the holding element, while conical, will be flat or non-curved for cooperation in line contact with the flat interior surfaces 53e of the housing sleeve.

'holding action between the operating sleeve and the housing sleeve, when in held or locked position, occurs at the point indicated by the numeral l0, in addition to the frictional locking action of the element 3l itself. In other words, the element 3l reacts against the end of the control shaft 35, and the latter in turn presses downwardly on the operating sleeve, forcing the operatingsleeve into engagement with the housing or frame sleeve. into frictional contact, at the point Ill and in the adjacent areas. Where the sleeves are circular in shape it will be seen, referring to Fig. 5, that only a limited area of contact extending longitudinally of the sleeves will be firmly engaged, this area being at the lowermost point on the sleeves. On the other hand, refer- 'ring to Fig. 8, it will be seen that when the sleeves are polygonally shaped, extended contact surfaces as indicated at lc are provided between the sleeves, such contact surfaces being substantially half of the sleeve areas. Due to the increased contact areas, a smoother locking action is possible.

It is obvious that various changes may be made in the specific embodiments set forth for purposes of illustration without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention is accordingly not to be limited to the specific embodiments shown and described, but only as indicated in the following claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. A control mechanism comprising a frame member adapted to be secured to a support, said frame member having an arcuate locking surface, an operating member shiftable relative to the frame mem-ber and adapted to be connected t0 a device to -be controlled, and holding means said holding means comprising an 'inclined cam surface, and a rolla-ble holding'elementcontrolled by said surface and adapted vto be forcedA thereby into engagement with the arcuatelockingsurface of the frame member, said holding element having line contact with said cam surface and with the engaged arcuate surface of the. frame mem'- ber. v

2.'A control mechanism comprising a' circular frame sleeve adapted to `be secured to a support, an operating member shiftable'within 'the frame sleeve and adapted to be connected to a'device to be controlled, and holding means for'releasably holding the operating member from -movement with respect to the frame sleeve, said holding means comprising an inclined cam surface, and a holding element controlled by said surface'and adapted to be thrust thereby into engagement with the interior circular surface of the frame sleeve, said holding element having line contact with said inclined cam surface and with the engaged circular surface of the frame sleeve.

3. A control mechanism comprising -a circular frame sleeve adapted to be secured to-a support, an operating member shiftable within the frame sleeve and adapted to be connected to a device to :be controlled, and holding means for releasably holding the operating member-from movement with respect to the frame sleeve,said holding means comprising an inclined cam surface, and a holding element controlled by said surface and adapted to be thrust thereby into engagement -with the interior surface of the frame sleeve, said holding element comprising an elongated roller member having line contact with said inclined cam surface and with the engaged surface of the frame sleeve.

4. A control mechanism comprising a frame member adapted to be secured to a support, an operating member shiftable relative to the frame member and adapted to be connected to' a device to be controlled, and holding means for releasably holding the operating member from movement with respect to the frame member, said holding means comprising an inclined-cam surface, and a rollable holding element controlled by said surface and adapted to lbe forced thereby into engagement with the frame member, said holding element having one portion thereof shaped to conform to the inclined cam surface and another portion thereof shaped to conform to the engaged surface of the frame member whereby to maintain line contact with both of said surfaces.

5. A control mechanism comprising a circular frame sleeve adapted to be secured to a support, an operating member shiftable .within the frame sleeve and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, and holding means for releasably holding the operating member from movement with respect to the frame sleeve, said holding means comprising an inclined cam surface, and a holding element controlled by said surface and adapted to be thrust thereby into engagement with the interior surface of the frame sleeve, said holding element comprising a roller member having a central cylindrical portion engageable with the inclined cam surface, and conical end portions shaped to conform to the curvature of the interior surface of the frame sleeve and engageable therewith.

6. A control mechanism comprising a frame sleeve adapted to be secured to a support, an,

operating member. shiftable within the frame sleeveand vadapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, and holding means for releasably holding the operating member from movement with respect tov the frame sleeve, said holding means comprising an inclined cam surface, and a holding element'controlled by said cam surface and adapted to be thrust thereby into engagement with the interiorsurface of the'frame sleeve, said holding element comprising a roller having a central cylindrical portion engageable with the cam surface, and conical end portions engageable `with the interior surface of the frame sleeve.

7. A control'mechanisin comprising a frame member adapted to be secured to a support, an operating member shiftable relative 'to the frame member and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, and'holding means for releasably holding the operating member from movement with respect to the frame member, said holding means comprising a shiftable control member, an inclined cam surface, and a holding element controlled by said surface, a handle secured to the operating member, a handle secured to the control member, said handles having portions in longitudinally spaced relation at their peripheries, and a filler member of compressible resilient material arranged between the handles and filling the space therebetween.

8. A control mechanism as defined in claim 7 wherein said handles and said ller member are of substantially the same cross sectional area whereby to provide a composite handle structure lsubstantially uniform in transverse cross section.

9. A control mechanism comprising a frame memberadapted to be secured to a support, an operating member-shiftable relative to the frame member and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, and holding means for releasably holding the operating member from movement with respect to the frame member, said holding means comprising an inclined cam surface, and a holding element controlled by said surface and adapted to be forced thereby into engagement with the frame member, said holding element comprising a spherical ball having line contact with said inclined cam surface and with the engaged surface of the frame member.

10. A control mechanism comprising a circular frame sleeve adapted to be secured to a support, an operating member shiftable within the frame sleeve and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, and holding means for releasably holding the operating member from movement with respect to the frame sleeve, said holding means comprising an inclined cam surface, and a holding element controlledby said surface and adapted to be thrust thereby into engagement with the interior surface of the frame sleeve,

said holding element com-prising a spherical ball member, and said inclined cam surface andthe engaged surface of the frame sleeve having portions thereof shaped to conform to the curvature of said ball member.

l1. A control mechanism comprising a polygonal frame sleeve adapted to be secured to a sup.- port, an operating member shiftable Within the frame sleeve and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, and holding means for releasably holding the operating member from movement with respect to the frame sleeve, said holding means comprising an inclined cam surface, and a holding element controlled by said inclined cam surface and adapted to be thrust thereby into engagement with the interior' surface of the frame sleeve, said holding element being engageable into one of the angular apexes of the frame sleeve and having portions shaped to conform to the engaged sleeve surfaces.

12. A control mechanism comprising a polygonal frame sleeve adapted to be secured to a support, a polygonal operating sleeve shiftable within the frame sleeve and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, and holding means for releasably holding the operating sleeve from movement with respect to the frame sleeve, said holding means comprising a control shaft shiftable within the operating sleeve and having an inclined cam surface, and a holding element controlled by said surface and adapted to be thrust thereby into engagement with the interior surface of the frame sleeve, said holding element being disposed Within an opening in the operating sleeve, the opening being arranged in one of the angular apexes of the operating sleeve, and said holding element comprising a roller having a central cylindrical portion adapted to engage the control shaft inclined cam surface, and conical end portions shaped to conform to and adapted to engage the interior surface of the frame sleeve.

13. A control mechanism comprising a frame member adapted to be secured to a support, an elongated operating member axially shiftable relative to the frame member and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, and holding means for releasably holding the operating member from movement with respect to the frame member, said holding means comprising an elongated control member axially shiftable with respect to the operating member, a handle secured to the operating member, a handle secured to the Ycontrol member, said handles having portions in longitudinally spaced relation at their peripheries, and a filler member of compressible resilient material arranged between the handles and filling the space therebetween.

CHARLES A. ARENS. 

